Partner

Case Study

Company Profile

Headquarters Location

San Antonio, Texas

Contact:

Susan Ghertner

Environmental Affairs

Manager 

(210) 938-6502

ghertner.susan@heb.com

Number of Employees:

60,000

Strategy Category:

Idling reduction

Number of Trailers:

2,400

Number of Power Units:

400

H-E-B Grocery

www.epa.gov/smartway

H-E-B is committed to conducting their business in an environmentally

responsible and sustainable manner. A bi-national company serving

Texas and northern Mexico with over 300 stores, manufacturing plants,

and warehouse and distribution centers, environmental ethics is interwoven

directly into H-E-B’s retail business strategy. “The public expects companies to

be environmentally focused. Because of this, H-E-B continues to raise the bar

on environmental quality and standards,” notes Susan Ghertner, environmental

affairs manager of H-E-B. Aside from internal commitments to environmental

growth, H-E-B has extended their environmental ethic into the communities

they serve. In honor of their 100th anniversary in 2005, the company donated 

environmental GIS software to 40 middle-schools throughout Texas and planted

100 historic trees. In addition, they support environmental organizations and 

programs in the communities they serve. H-E-B has also focused their 

attention on recycling initiatives, water and energy conservation, energy 

efficiency measures, and green building.

On average, each truck in the H-E-B fleet travels 150,000 miles per year.

Conserving fuel and cutting emissions are high priorities for H-E-B. “Our 

anti-idling efforts have been the most appreciated by the public,” claims

Ghertner. Aside from anti-idling efforts, H-E-B has implemented wide based

tires on their entire fleet of trucks and trailers, installed automatic tire inflation

devices, utilized low-friction lubricants, and have developed a speed 

management program for drivers. Currently 60% of their Houston fleet is 

fueling their trucks on liquefied natural gas. In addition, H-E-B has 

implemented aerodynamic features such as reduced cab-trailer distance as well

as cab, roof, and side fairings on their fleet vehicles. H-E-B’s use of 

aerodynamic technology is expected to save 830,786 gallons of fuel and reduce

CO2 outputs by 9,222 tons in 2006. In total, H-E-B projects to save 5,471,434

gallons of fuel and reduce 60,733 tons of CO2 in 2006 due to their 

implementation of SmartWay strategies. “HEB continues to stay progressive 

by educating their drivers of new policies and fuel reduction strategies,” notes

Ghertner. 

SmartWay has had a valuable impact on H-E-B’s business. “The SmartWay

FLEET model is a valuable tool for evaluating the fuel we are saving as well as

the emissions we are cutting, which offers

us a competitive advantage,” notes

Ghertner. “SmartWay is a wonderful

opportunity to learn from other 

businesses as well as unify them towards

a common goal,” proclaims Ghertner.

Environmental efforts have also been

embraced by their employees. “Our 

commitment to the environment is the

right thing to do and it makes sense 

economically,” concludes Ghertner.

Idling Reduction 

EPA420-F-07-006